tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29366170789771828202024-03-13T09:18:24.652-04:00Our Journey to ParenthoodOur Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-89240163630388503662016-08-22T00:20:00.000-04:002016-08-22T00:20:38.408-04:00Since the day Sami was born, people warned me not to blink. They said time will go by so quickly. I believed them, but I don't think I realized just fast the time would go by. In less than 8 hours, Sami will walk into a classroom and start her first day of kindergarten. <br />
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I am so proud of this little girl. She has grown and matured so much, and her personality brightens my world each and every day. <br />
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It's been a long time since I've written here, although I have continued to do so in a journal I am writing to Sami. I will try to update here more often again.<br />
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Love to all. :)<br />
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Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-29285565538114711532013-04-07T12:14:00.000-04:002013-04-07T12:14:22.938-04:00Kitty<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKpLSW16tCQ/UWGZkHjQ7GI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ijkQDE5B-Fo/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKpLSW16tCQ/UWGZkHjQ7GI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ijkQDE5B-Fo/s320/photo-22.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrJ0fynl4Mk/UWGaDMyQR6I/AAAAAAAAAQI/CJkfKyAUdOQ/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrJ0fynl4Mk/UWGaDMyQR6I/AAAAAAAAAQI/CJkfKyAUdOQ/s320/photo-24.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W40YPIZPQH0/UWGa3O82d1I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/xrAdQqIS25Q/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W40YPIZPQH0/UWGa3O82d1I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/xrAdQqIS25Q/s320/photo-25.JPG" /></a><br />
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I know it's been a very long time since I've written. And I know this blog is usually a place where I just write about Sami, but I want to devote this post to Kitty, my beautiful cat who to whom we said goodbye a little after midnight on Saturday, April 6. I adopted Kitty when she was just a few weeks old November 2002. She was 10 and-a-half years old.<br />
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Losing Kitty was a huge shock. One day she was fine, running around and meowing at us, and the next day she wouldn't eat, and looked lethargic. Friday night we took her to the animal hospital to learn about 2 hours later that she was in kidney failure, and was truly suffering. The vet told us that she probably had this for months, but just like many other cats, didn't show any symptoms until the end. They are like soldiers, hiding any symptoms and being so proud.<br />
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It was a rough night. We spent about an hour with Kitty, telling her how much we loved her, and how much we will miss her. We moved into our house 3 years ago with 4 cats, and now have 1 cat. It's been a rough few years with our fur-babies, losing now 3 cats in 3 years. So we told Kitty that we knew she would be greeted by Shakespeare and Loki, and my sweet greyhound, Pebbles, who left us in 2008, and they would show her around. We assured her she would not be alone. We cried and hugged her and kissed her. And with the wonderful vet's gentle assistance, we said goodbye to Kitty. It was peaceful, but completely heartbreaking and our home is not the same without Kitty. <br />
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Kitty was a beautiful, sweet and tiny cat. (She never weighed more than 6 pounds.) She slept every night cuddled with us, and Sami had just recently started calling her by her name, instead of just "cat." The reason behind her name is somewhat silly, but when I first adopted her I couldn't think of a name for this adorable tiny kitten. So I kept calling her Kitty, while trying to come up with a name that suited her. Eventually she started answering to Kitty, and the name stuck. <br />
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Kitty is so dearly missed. Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-75323013945266540102012-08-13T04:08:00.000-04:002012-08-13T04:14:03.077-04:00The most active child<br />
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There's a new show on the Oxygen channel. It's called "I'm Having Their Baby." The show chronicles pregnant women, who have decided to place their babies up for adoption. It's heartbreaking, watching these women, most of them very young, go through the grieving process when they say goodbye to the baby after giving birth, even though they repeat that they know they are making the right decision.<br />
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It makes me think about Elizabeth, and how she never seemed emotional at all about placing Sami up for adoption. Yet, I am so grateful to her every day when I look at our beautiful daughter. <br />
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Just twice this past week, I was told by people that Sami looked exactly like me. These of course, were people who assume I gave birth to Sami. The funny thing though is that sometimes I forget I didn't give birth to Sami.<br />
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For example, last week when I was at the dentist, we were discussing how come I get new cavities every year, even though I do not eat candy, do not drink sugary drinks, and always brush and floss after each meal. I even carry a toothbrush and dental floss with me almost everywhere I go. The dentist tested my saliva, and said that I have an enzyme that my body naturally produces that actually causes tooth decay, no matter how well I care for my teeth. He said it is genetic. My father had terrible teeth, and so does my aunt (his sister), so I know that I got this from my father's side of the family. Immediately after hearing about this genetic enzyme from the dentist, my first thought was that I hope I did not pass this to Sami!! Things like that happen all the time, not usually health-related (sometimes it's about my curly hair), in which I hope (for Sami's sake) she doesn't inherit something from me. Then it takes me a little while to remember we are not biologically related. I truly forget that all the time. In my mind, she belongs to me and Steven in every way possible.<br />
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It's hard to believe that we are now talking about how to celebrate Sami's 2nd birthday! Sami is already 21 months old. Every day brings new surprises. Yesterday morning, she climbed out of her crib already. She may wind up being the youngest child to move out of her crib and sleep in a toddler bed! We are waiting to see if it happens again. She is just so incredibly active. I have many friends with kids Sami's age, and with the exception of one little boy, Sami is much, much, much more active than any other child we have ever seen. She never sits down. She plays only standing up, and if the decision was hers, she'd eat every meal standing up or walking around. She is completely exhausting!! She climbs up chairs to stand on the dining room table, climbs up the back of the couch in order to stand on the windowsill. You name it--she does it!! She definitely keeps us on our toes....<br />
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In other news, since I've last written Sami had her first haircut, and already looks like she is ready for her second haircut! Also, over the summer I tried taking Sami to ballet classes. There is a dance school near us that has a class for girls ages 18 months to 3 years old. We went for a few weeks, but Sami didn't follow instructions well. She wouldn't sit (big surprise) when she was supposed to, and seemed to think the instructions were for every child aside from her. She also cried and screamed if I wasn't in sight. I'm going to wait a little while and try again, and see if she does better when she is a little older.<br />
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I honestly do not remember what life was like for us before Sami was in our lives. In 21 very fast-moving months, everything is different. Steven and I are different people. We have gone from the couple that was known for first going out at midnight on a Saturday night, to being exhausted by 10 p.m. I guess the simplest way to put is that we became parents. LOL. And I couldn't be happier. :)<br />
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I've attached four photos here today. One is from the Fourth of July, one is from dance class (Sami is the only one standing of course), one is of Sami standing on a chair at a table outside the planetarium, where we took her to watch a show recently, and one is from her first haircut. Hope you enjoy!!<br />
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Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-64936015378603153962012-06-29T13:22:00.000-04:002012-06-29T13:22:53.286-04:00Stuck inside today<br />
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Today, Sami and I are stuck at home because we are getting a new air conditioner in our house. It is supposed to take about 5 hours, and it's 94 degrees outside. Sami is hot, bored and a bit crabby. (And so am I. I'm also crabby about the $3,500 cost.)<br />
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Sami will be 20 months old on July 4. How crazy is that? I'm already starting to think about what to do for her second birthday. Part of me feels as though she was born yesterday, but the bigger part of me doesn't even remember life without her. <br />
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It's been a good week. I've been working on the magazine, but still finding time to meet friends for play-dates. Sami's favorite place seems to be the park these days, but we try to either go in the morning or after 5 p.m. because it's so hot. Also it rains almost every afternoon around 2 p.m.<br />
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This week Sami also got to spend time with her cousin, Lindsey, who is home visiting from college. Sami had a great time playing with her earlier this week. And in a couple of weeks my sister, Norma, who lives in Texas, will be visiting. It's been almost a year since she was here last, so it will be fun for her to see how much Sami has changed and grown.<br />
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The other day I was looking through the clothes Sami has outgrown. I have everything packed in boxes, but I am not quite yet ready to give anything away, but I still have hopes for Baby #2 one day. The chances are slim, because I do not know if we will ever be able to afford to adopt again, but just in case, I am holding on to Sami's outgrown clothes.. for now anyway. Sami's preemie-size clothes are so very small. I think they aren't much different in size than doll clothes, so it is extremely unlikely we will ever need to use those again, but they're packed up with the other clothes for now anyway.<br />
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When I was looking through her old clothes, it brought back memories of how small Sami was when she was born. When people meet her now that didn't know her then, they find it hard to believe she was born weighing just 3 pounds and 9 ounces. She is the same size as other kids her age now, and has completely caught up. It still amazes me.<br />
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We are dog sitting for our neighbors this week, while they are out of town. The dogs are easy to take care of, and when we go to their house every day, Sami wants to play with them, even though they are two very large boxers. It's funny that Sami has no fear of dogs, no matter what the size. She thinks of our dogs as just part of the family, as they were here before she got here. She's never known a home without animals. Now when she pets Penny, she says "nice" over and over, because I am always telling her to make nice when she goes near them. She also loves to give Penny and Java lots of kisses. Penny appreciates it, but Java not-so-much. He usually gets up and runs away, which of course leads Sami to chase him around the house.<br />
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I've attached three photos: one of Sami hanging out with Penny and Java, one playing at a friend's house, and one with her eating her second favorite snack-- a frozen yogurt popsicle. (Her top favorite snacks are cookies.)<br />
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<br />Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-54338877115579287642012-05-09T23:48:00.001-04:002012-05-10T00:18:31.781-04:0018 months old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OxvAt0z2bw/T6s52jVTOpI/AAAAAAAAANo/Oxlx-lNLPac/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7OxvAt0z2bw/T6s52jVTOpI/AAAAAAAAANo/Oxlx-lNLPac/s320/photo.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Sami turned 18 months old last Friday, and today she had her 18-month checkup. 18 months old!!! How did we get here so quickly? <br />
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Sami weighs 24 pounds and is 33 inches tall. She is between the 75th and 90th percentile for height and in the 60th percentile for weight. It's hard to believe this is the same child who was born weighing 3 pounds. <br />
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It's been so long since I've written. There have been so many days in which I say to myself "Tonight I am going to blog." But then the day and night get the best of my time, and before I know it, the time is well into the early A.M. hours and I'm exhausted. So I obviously have a lot to say in this update.<br />
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Needless to say, Sami keeps me extremely busy. Saying she is an active child is putting it VERY mildly. She is on the go from the time she wakes up until the time she goes to sleep every day. Though she does nap some days, she doesn't nap every day anymore, and she is always on the go. She doesn't even sit down when she plays. She walks around with her toys and plays with them standing up. She climbs her changing table and the furniture and any stair she can find. She loves stairs. She really has become her own little person, and in case you didn't already know, I'm madly in love with this little person.<br />
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She says more words than I can count, give me tons of hugs and kisses, and quickly returns my smile with a smile of her own. People still stop us wherever we go to comment on how beautiful/adorable/cute/precious etc. etc. etc. they find Sami to be.<br />
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Sami and our greyhound, Penny, have gotten extremely close. In fact on a recent day when were out of the house all day, Sami came home and ran over to Penny and gave her a kiss. <br />
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She has so much hair that she's now wearing it in a little pony tail on top of her head most days, as I'm trying to avoid getting her hair cut as long as I can. She loves hats, and is always putting anything on her head and pretending it's a hat. Her new favorite is the spaghetti colander at my mom's house. She even knows which kitchen cabinet my mother keeps it in, and takes it out and wears it around the house when we visit my mom.<br />
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Going to the park has become a favorite pastime for both Sami and me. We go to the park very often, in addition to Mommy & Me classes, and lots of playdates with friends we have made. I've posted a photo here of Sami in a swing at the park, which she'd do for hours if I'd let her. I've also posted a recent photo of bubble time at Mommy & Me.<br />
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I am still working from home, and it's more challenging than ever balancing working and taking care of Sami throughout the days. Most days I wind up working after she goes to sleep at night and staying up late. I'm tired almost all of the time. Sometimes I don't even realize I am tired anymore. I guess I'm getting used to it. Then of course there are other days in which I'm so exhausted I can barely see straight. But of course it's worth it.<br />
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Going into Sami's room every morning when she wakes up is still the highlight of my day. When she sees me come in her room, she immediately starts clapping and saying "Yay!" And then when I pick her out of her crib, she generously grants me with a hug and kiss. <br />
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As you can tell, I can go on and on about Sami, and I promise to try and write updates more often. The days just go by so quickly, and unfortunately this blog is getting lost in the shuffle. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who continues to read when I do post here. Love to you all. :)Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-39069413582780177462012-02-07T02:39:00.003-05:002012-02-07T02:52:19.381-05:0015 months and walkingOn Monday night, at 15 months and 2 days old, Sami finally walked! She's taken a few steps before here and there in the past, but this was different. I'm not saying she is ready to run a marathon, but she walked across the playroom downstairs, and she did it several times. And while she did it each time, she laughed aloud the whole time, obviously very proud of herself!<br /><br />Tomorrow is the last day Sami is contagious for the chicken pox, according to the pediatrician's office. Since we've been stuck at home for almost two weeks, I've really been working with her trying to get her to walk. I know she may have walked tonight regardless, but it gave Sami and I something to do to pass the time. I've really been going stir crazy being stuck at home, but Sami and I have had a lot of fun playing together. That said, I am really looking forward to us getting out the house!<br /><br />Sami is also talking even more, and dancing and clapping every time she hears music. She is really quite a character and makes us laugh every day. We have to be really careful what we say now, as she repeats so many things she hears.<br /><br />I can't believe she is already 15 months old. She is really her own little person, with her own personality (and her own huge temper, of course). She has so many teeth now, including molars on both the top and the bottom in the back of her mouth. She's growing so quickly, and I'm thinking she might even need her first haircut soon. :)Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-4624187114420652112012-01-31T01:05:00.004-05:002012-01-31T10:35:54.982-05:00Chicken pox!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agbrEJYCubg/TyeJgxbqm2I/AAAAAAAAANc/56FMOO9Wpmg/s1600/photo-35.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agbrEJYCubg/TyeJgxbqm2I/AAAAAAAAANc/56FMOO9Wpmg/s320/photo-35.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703678649206217570" /></a><br />It's been a long week.<br /><br />Last Monday, Sami developed a fever that began around 101 and wound up going to 104.4. Then on Thursday morning, she came down with the chicken pox as a reaction from the vaccine. It's a mild case of about 10 or so pox, and for some reason all of them are on her face. It's rare, but it happens. It follows a couple of months ago when she got a similar reaction after getting the MMR vaccine. One theory is that because she was born so early, she didn't get immunities in utero, as this usually takes place during the last two months of pregnancy.<br /><br />Anyway, the first morning she scratched them a little, but since then she doesn't seem to even know they are there. But because they are contagious, Sami and I are stuck at home all day, every day. The last thing I want to do is spread the chicken pox around to anyone.<br /><br />Meanwhile I am hoping that my one vaccine a couple of weeks ago will be enough to protect me. Adults are supposed to get two vaccines, four to eight weeks apart, to be fully protected. It's a few weeks too soon for me to get the second shot, so for now I am just hoping for the best!<br /><br />Aside from that, things are going well. Steven's grandmother recently celebrated her 99th birthday, and Sami got to spend time with her grandparents (Steven's parents) while they were here visiting for the occasion. And of course Sami showed off for them, talking like she loves to do. <br /><br />I also received my 40th birthday present from Steven, which he saved up for by doing extra freelance jobs, last week, as the jeweler needed some extra time to create it. I got beautiful diamond earrings that I will always cherish, remembering this special birthday. I haven't taken them off since I got them, and have no plans for them to leave my ears. <br /><br />As for now, not many people feel safe coming into our home, with Sami having the chicken pox. I do not blame anyone, and I almost feel as though we are living in isolation. LOL. Thank goodness for the telephone and Internet or I'd have no communication with the outside world! It's been difficult keeping Sami entertained, but playdates are out the question. So I've playing with her and trying to keep her as busy as possible at home, working while she naps.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-26735037505110855352012-01-16T02:12:00.005-05:002012-01-16T18:23:24.408-05:00Finally back to sleepIt's after 2 a.m. and I finally just got Sami back to sleep. She woke up at midnight, seeming to think it was morning and wanting to play. I read her about eight stories, sang her a bunch of songs, and then just sat in her room talking to her. I was determined not to take her out of her crib, because I knew once I did that, she'd never go back in. So I just stayed in her room with her, until she finally got tired of listening to me talk and sing and went back to sleep. <br /><br />So now here I am at 2:15 a.m., and since I'm awake I'm doing a little bit of work and making Steven's lunch before heading to bed. <br /><br />Though I am tired, and I'm sure I'll be even more tired in the morning, I must admit I kind of enjoyed the quiet time with Sami in her room. I know one day she'll be "too cool" to hang out with me, so I try to really relish these moments.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-86200461539129093032012-01-15T10:31:00.004-05:002012-01-15T11:09:12.890-05:0014 months oldThis week Sami and I both had our chicken pox vaccinations––Sami at 14 months, and me on the 11th anniversary year of my 29th birthday. After Sami had her shot, the pediatrician talked me into getting one, too, since somehow I have managed to get through 40 years without getting the chicken pox. Way back, my regular internist had advised me not to bother getting the shot since he believed there were so few cases of chicken pox out there anyway, so there wouldn't really be anyone to catch it from. However, I learned that if Sami is one of the children that gets a rash from the shot, then she would be contagious. Also, if I am ever exposed to anyone with the shingles, I would be able to contract chicken pox from them. So after all of these years, I was convinced. Sami will not be getting her second chicken pox vaccine until she is 5 years old; but as an adult, I will getting my second shot in 4 to 8 weeks from now. So now I hope neither Sami or I gets a reaction to the vaccine, which could include a fever and/or rash, and it can happen anytime up to 1 month after the shot.<br /><br />The rest of Sami's doctor appointment went really well. The pediatrician looked at the shape her head, and agreed with the physical therapist that she looked great, and no longer needed therapy. Also, she now weighs 21 pounds! It's hard to believe she once weighed just three tiny pounds. The pediatrician said that Sami looked really well, and he was impressed with how much she is speaking. She says so many words now, and is extremely active and busy. She isn't really walking on her own yet, although she does stand up and let go of the walls of her pack and play and tries to take steps in there, but only if she thinks we aren't looking. She does walk throughout the house with her push toy; she just isn't ready to let go and walk without holding onto something. She'll walk when she is ready––she is just not ready yet. :)<br /><br />Sami will be getting more vaccinations at 15 months, and then more at 18 months. Then after that, she has a break from shots until she is 5 years old. <br /><br />As for everything else, we've been keeping busy, going to birthday parties, getting together with friends and family, and working, of course.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-73292334988456286462012-01-04T02:36:00.003-05:002012-01-04T03:13:27.974-05:00Happy Birthday, and Happy New Year!So it's after midnight, and officially my birthday, which also means Sami is 14 months old today. <br /><br />Today is a big birthday for me. It's the 11th anniversary of my 29th birthday. :) It's hard to believe.<br /><br />It's also just a few days after welcoming in 2012--something else that's hard to believe. We had a really fun New Year's Eve. We went bowling, and yes, Sami came along. She hung out and clapped for us and had a great time.<br /><br />Getting older never really bothered me before, but now with Sami here, I find myself thinking about my own mortality on this birthday, wanting to always be with Sami for every one of her lifetime milestones. So this year I'm feeling a bit melancholy. <br /><br />Yesterday was also the Hebrew anniversary of my father's passing, and as I lit a Yartzeit candle for him, while holding Sami in my arms, I shared some happy memories of him with her.<br /><br />That said, as a whole, I am really happy today--happy and grateful, for my wonderful husband and daughter, and for the family on both of our sides who we know are always there. Happy New Year. This year I hope for health and happiness for all of our loved ones.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-23712052729200270142011-12-28T01:07:00.006-05:002011-12-28T01:26:28.170-05:00Every day is differentI am expecting Sami to be walking any day now. She's standing up by herself in the middle of the room, but won't take a step. She just stands there and looks down at her feet and claps and laughs. Of course I then laugh with her.<br /><br />Sami really raked in the Hanukkah gifts this year. She received clothes, toys, and books from her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (and of course from us.) She may not understand that it was a holiday yet, but she definitely knows she has even more stuff to play with now. We also learned that she loves potato latkes, but then again Sami loves all food. We have yet to find something she will not eat. The pediatrician tells me to enjoy it now, because she may become picky later, but as for now, Sami is very far from picky. She amazed everyone last night when we got together with my family to exchange presents, when she pigged out on pizza, lasagna, a garlic roll, potato latkes and ice cream cake. <br /><br />At home, she is eating and drinking mostly organic now, including organic milk and juice. After learning a couple of months ago about most apple juices containing arsenic, I switched to organic products. And of course, now Steven and I eating more organic food, too. I am a serious "couponer," and save 50 to 60 percent each week. This percentage has gone down a little bit since adding in organic products, but it's worth it knowing we are doing whatever we can in Sami's best interest.<br /><br />Sami continues to amaze me each day. The truth is that most days I forget that I didn't give birth to her. We are connected in a way that I can't imagine would be any stronger if we shared the same DNA. One look at her beautiful face makes everything better, makes me calmer and seems to give me a sense of purpose.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-84207661357778730772011-12-21T01:51:00.007-05:002011-12-21T02:08:17.429-05:0013 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-3FJ_VmKKU/TvGFRDwhwDI/AAAAAAAAANE/Kvv8ayxsWN4/s1600/392013_10150430083435633_501135632_8524091_1656217538_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-3FJ_VmKKU/TvGFRDwhwDI/AAAAAAAAANE/Kvv8ayxsWN4/s320/392013_10150430083435633_501135632_8524091_1656217538_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688474332458762290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbQADkaLTE/TvGFRV8SZbI/AAAAAAAAANM/16eHiqxiQoU/s1600/338131_10150430097025633_501135632_8524149_1202641467_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEbQADkaLTE/TvGFRV8SZbI/AAAAAAAAANM/16eHiqxiQoU/s320/338131_10150430097025633_501135632_8524149_1202641467_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688474337339925938" /></a><br />We had a great first night of Hanukkah! The Florida Panthers hockey game tonight was geared toward Jewish families with the theme being "Chanukah on Ice." There were giveaways and holiday music throughout the entire game, and after the first period a rabbi went onto the ice and lit the menorah, while saying the appropriate prayers.<br /><br />We took Sami with us, of course, and she had a blast. The arena was almost sold out, and filled with families with other young children. The game was exciting, and Sami really seemed to love her first real sporting event.<br /><br />At 13 months old, Sami is still changing so much every day. And she seems to be learning so much every day. She now says, "hi" and "bye bye," in addition to "mommy" and "daddy" that she has been saying for months. Also, if you count "one, two," she yells out "three!" and whenever she sees a telephone (real or toy) she puts it to her ear and says "hello." She also loves to sing and dance. So many things she does make me laugh, and she is just more beautiful each day, too. (Not that I'm biased or anything.)<br /><br />Last week, we took her to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, for the second time. And just like our first trip, she loved the characters, and seems to not have any fears. (I've added a couple of photos here.) <br /><br />Work has been busy the past couple of weeks, which is good. I am continuing to have the editor role for a finance-industry trade magazine, and am back to editing the book I began editing last year, as the author has sent the next few chapters finally.<br /><br />I am looking forward to the rest of this week, celebrating Hanukkah, and bringing in the New Year.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-82241699396599520592011-11-28T02:37:00.004-05:002011-11-29T17:40:39.937-05:00Sami's better :)I am writing at 2:40 a.m. with Sami awake next to me. She is definitely feeling better, however when she was sick she stopped sleeping through the night. It seems that even though she is not sick anymore, the middle-of-the-night waking has become a habit. It's OK though, as I am sure it is temporary, and I am just so happy she is feeling better. <br /><br />In the morning, we have Mommy & Me class, then I have lots of work to do, so I will be putting lots of toys out so that hopefully Sami will keep busy and let me get some work done. We'll have to see how that goes. <br /><br />Thanksgiving was great this year. We went to my sister's house to celebrate the holiday, and Sami had a great time playing with her cousins. Thanksgiving is always such a fun time, and always reminds me of all the great people for which I am thankful. I have yet to find a food that Sami will not eat, and Thanksgiving did not prove to have any exceptions. She happily ate turkey, potatoes and vegetables, and even had cake for dessert. <br /><br />Sami continues to change every day. She is not walking independently yet, but is becoming very fast at "furniture walking," also known as "cruising." Also when she hears music, she loves to dance, and even tries to sing along here and there, which always makes me laugh. And now when a stranger stops us to admire Sami, she looks up at me and if I'm smiling she will look back at the admirer and flash a smile as well. It's almost as though she wants my approval that the stranger is trustworthy enough of a person with whom to share a smile. :)<br /><br />Somehow I love Sami more each day, and I don't know how that's possible. It's as though my heart is growing each day, filling with more love for her.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-5999666389167136522011-11-21T18:05:00.004-05:002011-11-22T07:42:55.724-05:00Still sickSami was back at the doctor today. This was her third visit since last Thursday. Her temperature is now down to just around 100 degrees, but her rash has gotten worse, although it comes and goes at different times of the day. In addition, she is absolutely miserable, crying all day, and at night waking up several times screaming as though someone is being murdered. The pediatrician said it is either a virus, a reaction to the MMR shot, or a combination of both. He said we will probably never know for sure. Either way, the treatment is the same, motrin or tylenol when she seems to be feeling bad, and lots of fluids. She's also still on an antibiotic for her ear. We may have another checkup again later this week.<br /><br />It's been an exhausting and stressful few days, especially the couple of days when her fever was high reaching almost 105 degrees and worried us. The telephone has been ringing with calls from my family and friends, all asking how Sami is several times each day. Right now she is sleeping, and at a little after 6 p.m. I know that's a bad time for her to be napping (and she's been sleeping since 5 p.m.) but for now I am just grateful she is resting, even if it means she will be awake late at night.<br /><br />I'm getting a little stir crazy because aside from visits with the doctor, Sami and I have not left the house since last Wednesday. Today I did put her in the stroller and walk her to the park across the street so we could both get some air. I figured the park with its open air was safe, as I do not want to get anyone else sick, and if it's a virus she is contagious until she has a normal temperature for at least one full day.<br /><br />At 1-year-old, Sami weighs 19 pounds and 7 ounces and is 29 and a quarter inches long. On the chart she is about 15 percent for weight, and 50 percent for height. A big change from the 3 pounds and 9 ounces, and 16 and a quarter inches she was on Nov. 4, 2010, when she wasn't even on the chart. I look back at photos of Sami often, and at amazed at how much she has grown.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-35362178303872180562011-11-19T11:04:00.006-05:002011-11-19T11:52:36.558-05:00Sami's sick :(<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LBN7pRC4Hk/TsfZPFhZZ5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/qLls-IdlVLU/s1600/p75002cb103145_4_3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LBN7pRC4Hk/TsfZPFhZZ5I/AAAAAAAAAMs/qLls-IdlVLU/s400/p75002cb103145_4_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676744708527318930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_yMWZmQ_vA/TsfZPXHqyJI/AAAAAAAAAM4/1E-ch5mFVEg/s1600/IMG_0991.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_yMWZmQ_vA/TsfZPXHqyJI/AAAAAAAAAM4/1E-ch5mFVEg/s400/IMG_0991.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676744713251244178" /></a><br />It's been a long few days!! Sami has been sick with a temperature ranging from 102 to 104.8, and has been to the doctor twice this week, and we almost took her to ER last night when her temperature reached the 104.8.<br /><br />We were able to get it down to 102 with wet cloths and alternating tylenol and motrin, and took her back to the doctor again this morning. It turns out Sami has 3 different things going on right now. She has a rash as a reaction from the MMR shot she had last week at her 1-year-old checkup, she has a boil behind one ear, which she has been on antibiotics for since Thursday morning, and she has a viral infection of some kind. <br /><br />Basically we were told to just make sure she is drinking a lot, give her tylenol/motrin as needed and she'll be better in a few days. If she is still getting a high fever by Monday or Tuesday though, she needs to go back to the doctor.<br /><br />I feel so bad that she is sick, and I myself am getting lightheaded from the lack of sleep over the past three days. But I feel a little more relieved today after being back at the doctor this morning, and when she naps later, I plan to do the same thing.<br /><br />It's still so hard to believe Sam is 1 year old. With 6 little teeth, she is starting to look more like a toddler and less like a baby already. Her birthday party was really great, and in all we had 58 adults and children at the park to celebrate with us. Sami had a great time diving into the little cake that was just for her. <br /><br />Sami and I have been keeping busy. We've made a lot of new friends throughout the past several months, and I'm enjoying working from home and taking breaks to meet friends for playdates during the week. It's been a little challenging at times when she wants attention and I'm on deadline, but it's been worth it to have her with me. <br /><br />Our newest friends include Debra, and her son, Colton, who we met at Mommy & Me. Colton is 14 months old, and his father is in Iraq. He hasn't seen Colton since he is 3 months old, and Debra has been basically a single mother for the past year. Sami and Colton are very mischievous when they are together, and it's so much fun to watch. At times, Debra and I are even embarrassed, while the other children sit so nicely during the parts of the class that are supposed to be quiet, while Sami and Colton take off together and disobey playing together in a corner acting as though they are the only two kids there. They were fast friends, following in their mothers' footsteps.<br /><br />Another new friend has 2-year-old twins, who they were blessed with after using a surrogate. It's nice to have someone to talk to that also didn't go through pregnancy to become a mother, and we are able to share our stories and truly understand each other. <br /><br />In all, I've met a lot of new people that I would never have met if it wasn't for being a mom, and I know Sami and I are creating long friendships. Of course, we are lucky enough to have friends I've known for years as well, such as Stacey, and her daughter, Hannah, who is only 5 weeks older than Sami. Those two will be growing up together, and Stacey and I are determined that they will become and remain "BFFs."<br /><br />I feel truly blessed to be Sami's mother. Even though I have been worried the past few days with her being sick, she truly brings me nothing but joy every day. Sure, there are days where she is crabby and screams all day, but the moments that stand out in my mind are the ones where she laughs and plays, and looks up to make sure I'm still there, smiling to see me there and calling out "Mama."Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-86342857986450242122011-11-04T01:57:00.005-04:002011-11-04T02:11:35.373-04:00Sami is 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_rnUWxf7tg/TrOARDFIkvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Fs19-ZfL4As/s1600/photo-34.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_rnUWxf7tg/TrOARDFIkvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Fs19-ZfL4As/s320/photo-34.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671017386162557682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xKYlRqMCLM/TrOBqIN4-7I/AAAAAAAAAMU/Njj_k1CGsM8/s1600/298004_10150346511700633_501135632_8222753_1591048576_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xKYlRqMCLM/TrOBqIN4-7I/AAAAAAAAAMU/Njj_k1CGsM8/s320/298004_10150346511700633_501135632_8222753_1591048576_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671018916549819314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tojS54IRvOQ/TrOBqV4K6NI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aid1F9FRRzo/s1600/306343_10150346509375633_501135632_8222752_390998528_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tojS54IRvOQ/TrOBqV4K6NI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aid1F9FRRzo/s320/306343_10150346509375633_501135632_8222752_390998528_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671018920216815826" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdCoQhhxt2U/TrOBYXAC0YI/AAAAAAAAAMI/KkewLOWCejE/s1600/340486_10150351930980633_501135632_8261120_1714846270_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdCoQhhxt2U/TrOBYXAC0YI/AAAAAAAAAMI/KkewLOWCejE/s320/340486_10150351930980633_501135632_8261120_1714846270_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671018611280630146" /></a><br />Sami is 1 year old today. How is that possible? On one hand, it feels as though she was just born yesterday, but on the other hand, I barely remember my life before her and it's as though she has always been here with us.<br /><br />This past year has been exhausting, overwhelming and emotional, but it's also brought me more joy than I've ever known before. <br /><br />On Sunday we are having a big birthday in the park for Sami. We are expecting more than 60 adults and kids. <br /><br />As for today, we've decided to have more of a private celebration. Tonight, Steven, Sami and I are going to celebrate her birthday together, just the three of us. We have so much for which to be grateful, and are looking forward to spending some alone time with Sami on her first birthday. Don't get me wrong, we are also extremely excited for her big party on Sunday, but in a very different way, we are equally excited for our small family celebration of just us three.<br /><br />On Thursday night, our niece, Rachel, spent the night. She wanted to be here for a little bit of Sami's first birthday. And as if Sami knew her birthday was approaching, she woke up a few minutes before midnight. As you can see in the picture I've attached, Rachel read her a story to try to help her fall back asleep.<br /><br />I've also included a few photos from Sami's first Halloween. Anyone that knows us, knows that we love Halloween. But this year's Halloween was by far the best one yet, because we got to share it with Sami.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-78863112089494693512011-10-16T10:30:00.007-04:002011-10-16T11:04:18.617-04:00Almost 1, and changing every day!I know I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again: Time is going by so quickly. Sami's 1st birthday party is in three weeks from today!! I can't believe in just a few short weeks, my beautiful little girl will be 1 year old. <br /><br />I've posted a little video today at the bottom of this post, of Sami having a good time in a swing in our local park.<br /><br />I haven't been writing about it here, but Sami has been going to two physical therapists since August, after being diagnosed with plagiocephally and torticollis. Torticollis is having weak neck muscles and plagiocephally is when a child develops a flat area on his or her head. Usually the plagio is caused by the torticollis because a baby with a weak neck tends to lean on one side of the head a lot more often than the other side, which causes a flat area to form. For those of you that have seen babies with helmets around town, that's usually the reason. The helmets fix the head shape, making a perfectly round head. We were lucky that Sami's case was not severe enough to warrant a helmet, so she has been going having two types of physical therapy: one to work on her neck muscles and one that does cranial-sacral therapy to help even out the shape of her head. Sami's case was one that nobody noticed, and I didn't even notice until it was pointed out to me by our pediatrician. (We have since switched pediatricians due to the poor care she was given, but I'll write about that another time.)<br /><br />Anyway, last week the neck therapist, who Sami was seeing weekly, said that she is doing so well that he wants to see her one more time in a month just to make sure she still doing great, and if she is, he is going to discharge her from therapy. The doctor who is doing cranialsacral therapy on Sami is also not seeing her again for a few weeks, and is expecting to discharge her at that time, too!! I've been doing stretches and exercises with Sami several times a day that the therapist suggested, and it seems to really have done the trick! I couldn't be happier!!<br /><br />Lately, Sami has really been keeping me on my toes! She is crawling so quickly that sometimes you have to jog a bit to catch up to her! And she is furniture walking, also called cruising, now. She's tried to let go a few times, but when she does that she usually falls, and sadly has a couple of bruises from our tile floor to prove it.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I am getting excited for her 1st birthday party, and at last count am expecting close to 50 people (adults and kids combined). We rented a pavilion at a park that has a great playground and a very large open field area, so it should be a good time, as long as the weather is good that day.<br /><br />I still think about Elizabeth, and wonder where she went. I haven't spoken to her since January. I hope where ever she is, she is doing well. I feel forever connected to her, and despite her not making the best choices throughout her life, I will always be beyond grateful to her. In fact, "grateful," feels like such a weak word to describe it. I have this beautiful little girl who makes me happy every day. I feel as though I have a new purpose in my life I never knew existed. Things that seemed so important to me before, seem trivial now. The most important thing now is to make sure that Sami is happy and healthy every day. <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyy_I-QnUCMBs6VdXZRrA_SeP3QQSunc0WammtEoNHHra9-ghgjFAGgi_bMcDQUp8MqCQILL6a16XHe5ks3Xw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-20274160615090459242011-09-26T02:02:00.002-04:002011-09-26T02:09:47.904-04:00Busy, busy babyIt's 2 a.m. and I've now been awake for 20 hours, as Sami woke me up at 6 a.m. yesterday morning. I should be exhausted, but for some reason, I'm not. So I did some work, then watched a little TV, but yet I am still awake.<br /><br />Another reason I should be exhausted right now is how busy Sami keeps us. She is now "furniture walking," meaning she is walking holding on to things. It's cute to watch but she falls sometimes so we have to keep a close eye on her. She is so busy, and just doesn't want to sit still. No matter where you put her down, she crawls to the closest thing she finds, pulls herself up, and takes small steps toward the next thing she sees, all while strategically holding on as she moves. If she walks with a toy in one of her hands and then drops the toy, she is able to bend down, pick the toy up, and then continue on her journey.<br /><br />We also had to break down and buy a new high chair this weekend. The one we had been using was passed along to us by a friend, and the straps were missing. It had been working out fine, until the past week or so when Sami realized she could stand up in her high chair since she was not strapped in. She would stand up to eat, leaning over to pick each bite off of her tray. We'd keep putting her back to a sitting position, but she always got right back up. Then the kicker came when she realized she could actually climb out of her highchair by climbing out of the chair onto the tray. <br /><br />So in other words, Sami is very busy, which in turn keeps us very busy. But I'm not complaining honestly. I love to watch her play, and she is just such a character. She makes me laugh all the time. And it's contagious because when she laughs, I laugh, and when I laugh, she laughs, which of course makes me laugh harder.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-33274048172899078232011-09-18T21:06:00.006-04:002011-09-18T21:25:15.133-04:00Feeling a bit emotional<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MB05p7GlNlY/TnaZnZGaE8I/AAAAAAAAAL0/EZdGTfuq-1o/s1600/322406_10150465599713636_815578635_11296741_1467509043_o_face0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MB05p7GlNlY/TnaZnZGaE8I/AAAAAAAAAL0/EZdGTfuq-1o/s320/322406_10150465599713636_815578635_11296741_1467509043_o_face0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653875284241945538" /></a><br />Sami is becoming less like a baby and more like a little girl. It seems like it is happening all of the sudden. Everywhere we put her, she finds a way to stand up. She stands up in her crib, in the pack and play, even in her high chair! She crawls to me and pulls herself up to standing. She's also grown a lot more hair, and it seems like it all happened over night. <br /><br />Of course these are all good things, and I am happy she is healthy and growing. But I admit it also makes me a little sad because I feel like she is growing up way too quickly. I don't know where the past 10 months have gone. It feels like it was just yesterday when I was so distraught missing her while she spent two weeks in the NICU after she was born.<br /><br />She is just becoming so independent. She doesn't even want me to feed her so much anymore. She prefers for me to give her something to eat on her high chair tray that she can feed herself. She eats eggs, potatoes, cheese, chicken, waffles, pancakes, etc. She really loves all food. <br /><br />Sometimes I can just sit and watch her play for hours. It makes me so happy when she is happy.<br /><br />On Saturday I wasn't feeling well (after having a root canal on Friday), and was pretty much resting all day. When I finally felt better and got up and went over to play with her, she looked up at me excitedly and with a smile said "momma momma!" My heart just melted at that moment.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-38914008756685370902011-09-05T01:44:00.004-04:002011-09-05T02:43:18.749-04:0010 months old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7lRg7SBRwU/TmRjMT2YSZI/AAAAAAAAALk/qoQZePHIpWo/s1600/orlando%2Bblog%2B3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7lRg7SBRwU/TmRjMT2YSZI/AAAAAAAAALk/qoQZePHIpWo/s320/orlando%2Bblog%2B3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648748895767382418" /></a>
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<br />Sami is 10 months old. It's so hard to believe. We are already starting to think about what kind of party we are going to have for her 1st birthday. How in the world is she almost 1 year old already? Time is going by way too quickly.
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<br />It's been almost one month since I've last blogged, so I've got a lot of catching up to do. Last week we took Sami to Orlando to visit Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We go there every August for our anniversary, and this year was even more special than previous years, because we had Sami with us. She met a ton of characters, and the truth is that I am not sure if Sami liked the characters better or if the characters liked her better! She had no fear, and smiled with delight every time she was approached by a character. I've attached two photos here, one with Sami and Marilyn Monroe, and one with Sami and Thing 1 and Thing 2. Sami also was permitted to go on a few rides, and really loved those, too. Watching her smile and listening to her laugh made me feel so great.
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<br />Sami has been doing a lot of smiling and laughing lately. Our dogs, Penny and Java, have been making her crack up lately. She's been really playing with them, and she laughs so hard when they run around her and get silly.
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<br />Today we brought Sami to the Museum of Science and Discovery. I think it would have been a little more fun for her if she was walking, but she still seemed to enjoy herself, and Steven and I had a great time even though the museum is really geared toward kids. In fact, we probably had more fun than Sami did.
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<br />Sami bring so much happiness to my life. I never knew you could love someone this much. Making sure she is healthy and happy are becoming the most important goals for me, and watching her smile warms my heart like nothing I can explain. She continues to amaze me each and every day.
<br />Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-59629995672663163292011-08-09T01:51:00.005-04:002011-08-09T12:38:15.256-04:009 months old already<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxp-Y9hiuw8/TkFiaDlqMiI/AAAAAAAAAK4/5hgCt7TzB-4/s1600/285957_10150260912030633_501135632_7650299_1866100_o.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxp-Y9hiuw8/TkFiaDlqMiI/AAAAAAAAAK4/5hgCt7TzB-4/s320/285957_10150260912030633_501135632_7650299_1866100_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638896408223953442" /></a>
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<br />Sami had her 9-month check-up yesterday. Time is just flying by and it's hard to believe in just three short months, she will be 1 year old!
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<br />Sami weighs 17 pounds and is 28 inches tall. She is now in the 20th percentile for weight, and in the 75th percentile for height! According to the pediatrician, this means she is tall and a little underweight. but is doing fantastic. And at the pediatrician's office, Sami got her ears pierced today. They are absolutely adorable!
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<br />We can now begin to try feed Sami dairy products to see how she reacts. She will be starting with yogurt, and then we will go from there. If dairy agrees with her we can then try regular formula, instead of the hypoallergenic one she has been on for months. This would be better because it's easier to find, and half the price!
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<br />Every day brings something new. She changes so much all the time, but what doesn't stop changing is how much happiness she continues to bring to my life.
<br />Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-66507224879649247802011-07-29T14:57:00.003-04:002011-07-29T15:08:16.447-04:00It's official!Samantha Leah officially became ours on July 8. Of course she was already ours in every sense of the word, but now it's legal and nobody can take her away from us--a fear I lived with every day. <br /><br />Our moment at court was exactly that: "a moment." We got all dressed up for our court date, nervous and excited for the process to be finalized at last. We waited for a little while before Steven, Sami and I, and our attorney, were invited into the judge's chambers. I honestly do not think the judge even looked at us. We were asked a few very quick questions, and he pounded his gavel and it was done. The whole thing took less than five minutes. Our attorney explained to us afterward that by the time it gets to the judge, all the work has been done, and it's just a formality for him to finalize the adoption. But I still feel that judge should understand what a big moment it is for people like us, and show a little emotion.<br /><br />Anyway, we didn't let it ruin our day. After court, Steven, Sami and I went out to lunch near the beach to celebrate together. Steven apologized to Sami for giving her a last name she will be forever spelling to people. And as for me, well I just couldn't stop hugging and kissing Sami all day long.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-14877849947642905872011-07-03T00:44:00.012-04:002011-07-03T01:09:35.102-04:00Dear Time: Please Slow Down!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFsrm4VQrYc/Tg_4hAgvGgI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ePGr5hKsdiA/s1600/IMG_5884.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFsrm4VQrYc/Tg_4hAgvGgI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ePGr5hKsdiA/s320/IMG_5884.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624987705565714946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYqVAAPehIA/Tg_4I2xa41I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SrY1U82TwBo/s1600/264744_10150222944775633_501135632_7314425_4328897_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYqVAAPehIA/Tg_4I2xa41I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/SrY1U82TwBo/s320/264744_10150222944775633_501135632_7314425_4328897_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624987290634478418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0SeGCcZJwM/Tg_4tFomCrI/AAAAAAAAAKo/DoVorrSDeIk/s1600/264936_10150222939515633_501135632_7314369_365057_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0SeGCcZJwM/Tg_4tFomCrI/AAAAAAAAAKo/DoVorrSDeIk/s320/264936_10150222939515633_501135632_7314369_365057_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624987913099283122" /></a><br /><br /><br />It's been a while since I've written, but not because there hasn't been anything to write about! So much has happened in the past couple of weeks.<br /><br />What I am most excited about is that we finally have a date for the adoption finalization. On Friday, July 8, Steven, Sami and I, along with our attorney, will be going in front of a judge to officially welcome Sami as our own. Of course, she is already ours, in every sense of the word. But now it will be legal!! It's such a relief, and I can't wait until the judge makes it official!<br /><br />This week also brought two teeth for Sami! The first one broke through her gums on Wednesday, and the second one on Friday. They aren't much more than sharp white dots, but they're there!<br /><br />And of course, two weeks ago, Sami had her baby-naming ceremony in the synagogue. I am so happy that all of her aunts and uncles, and most of her cousins, in addition to three grandparents, a great-grandmother and several of our friends were here to share it with us. The weekend couldn't have been better. The only bad part of the weekend was saying goodbye to her aunts, uncles and cousins who do not live nearby. <br /><br />As for the naming itself, it was very emotional to hear Sami being named after my father, and I hope he was there in spirit at temple with us. I hope he is proud, and I hope Sami one day understands what a great man she is named after. Time goes by so quickly, and it's hard to believe that Sami will be 8 months old on Monday. There are so many moments when I say that I wish I could freeze time, and just hold onto that moment forever.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-48060978794601127632011-06-10T01:31:00.011-04:002011-06-10T01:52:10.735-04:00latest checkup, and plans for next weekend!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wld0L3L8da8/TfGwLwoihTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/CsP510tIc2s/s1600/2011-06-06_14.02.42.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wld0L3L8da8/TfGwLwoihTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/CsP510tIc2s/s400/2011-06-06_14.02.42.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616463926387705138" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />On Monday, Sami had her 7-month check-up. She weighs 15 pounds and is 26 inches long. On the chart, she is 20 percent in weight, and 50 percent in height now! The pediatrician said that Sami is doing extremely well, and that looking at her now you'd never know she was such a tiny preemie when she was born. She is sitting up, and she is now holding her own bottle. Steven even lowered her crib this week. I feel like she is growing up already!! Sami can now eat anything in Stage 2 except for dairy products (due to her reflux) or anything I cook if it's able to be mashed or pureed. (Her only rules now for food are no dairy, nothing that ends in the word "berry," and nothing spicy.) Sami is chewing on her fingers, and is a drooling machine, but there is still not a tooth in sight.<br /><br />We are getting excited for next weekend for Sami's baby naming! We have a lot of family coming into town and we are thrilled to get to see everyone, and for everyone to meet Sami! We are trying to work out how to coordinate our time to be able to spend as much time as possible with everyone.<br /><br />So far, our tentative plan is:<br /><br />Thursday night: to drive close to where Steven's parents, brother and sister-in-law and our niece and nephew will be staying to meet them for dinner, if Steven is able to skip his basketball game that night. He is now waiting to hear how many players the team will have that night.<br /><br />Friday night: we are having a big crowd of about 30 people over for dinner at our house, for pizza, pasta, salad, etc.<br /><br />Saturday morning and afternoon: the big day--Sami's baby naming! Services start at 9 a.m., and Steven, Sami and I will be called up to open the Ark early in the service. Then a little later in the service we will all be called up again for the baby naming. Services are long on Saturday, ending a little bit before noon, and then we are having a luncheon after temple for our about-40 guests.<br /><br />Saturday evening: we are planning to meet my sister, brother-in-law and niece for dinner.<br /><br />Sunday: we still haven't worked out the details, but are hoping to find a way to see everyone that day--perhaps some people during the day and some in the evening.<br /><br />It's going to be a busy weekend, which I am sure will go by way too quickly.<br /><br />I am really so excited for Sami to see everyone. I know she will have a fantastic time being the star of the weekend, and watching her smile will be all I need for next weekend to be considered a success to me. Just thinking about her now safe and happy sleeping in her crib literally makes me feel warm inside.Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936617078977182820.post-19810035122881641462011-06-05T23:50:00.002-04:002011-06-05T23:58:13.325-04:00A new milestone!Sami started sitting up independently today! For some reason, it almost made me cry. Everything she does amazes me, and I could sit and watch her for hours without getting bored.<br /><br />Today we went to a birthday party in the park. The birthday girl was turning 1 year old, and the party was beautiful. The parents went all out, and I think it was the fanciest party-in-the-park we have ever seen. The only con was how hot it was. But we had a great time, and are planning a night to go out with the birthday girl and her parents. Steven and I really like both of them a lot.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning Sami is having a check-up, and will most likely be getting shots. Hopefully she won't be too miserable afterward. I hate it when she isn't feeling well. Part of me though is looking forward to her doctor's appointment, so I can find out how she is doing, how much she weighs, etc. <br /><br />I still can't believe that Sami is 7 months old already. It feels like just yesterday when I sat with her in the hospital, waiting until she was big enough to come home. Those two weeks felt like an eternity, and my heart felt torn every time I had to leave her side. Now, 7 months later, Sami and I are inseparable, and I feel as though everything is just as it should be. :)Our Journey to Parenthoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11007743221877120140noreply@blogger.com0